Every person associated with an organization should be able to explain the Noble Purpose of the organization in an “elevator” speech that is sixty seconds long or less. This builds off the last blog where I discussed Lisa McLeod’s recent book, Leading with Noble Purpose. McLeod uses business examples, but this can easily be translated for nonprofits and government. In … [Read more...] about Creating Your Noble Purpose Statement
Leading with Noble Purpose
In Lisa McLeod’s newest book, Leading with Noble Purpose (2016), she expands the view of her earlier bestselling book, Selling with Noble Purpose (2012), to encourage leaders at all levels to guide their organization’s performance and strategy based on the Noble Purpose for which they exist. For government and not-for-profit entities this idea seems to come naturally as … [Read more...] about Leading with Noble Purpose
Time to Think, Part Two: Vacations
As discussed in the last blog, finding time to think during the regular work day is important for our creativity and productivity. But finding time for a full recharge is just as important. And that means “unplugging” from work during vacation. Yet, 42% of Americans did not take a vacation in 2014 and workers, on average, give up five vacation days per year.* And when … [Read more...] about Time to Think, Part Two: Vacations
Time to Think
“Slow down, you move too fast. You got to make the morning last.” -Simon & Garfunkel, The 59th Street Bridge Song How many times has it happened to you? You glance at your Smart Phone during a meeting and notice it is 2:30 p.m.. “What!?! Where has this day gone already?” Today’s workplace is characterized by endless meetings and tons of email. We seem to be busy, … [Read more...] about Time to Think
The Money & Mission Balance
How much of a reserve fund should you have? We can debate exactly how much is too much some other day, but I bet you know your nonprofit should have a much bigger reserve than it has now. Could your organization survive another Great Recession? The challenge we all face is finding that balance between “Money” and “Mission.” Nonprofits don’t exist to “make money.” But we … [Read more...] about The Money & Mission Balance